BBQ cook-off, kids’ zone and off-road test tracks highlight weekend

ATHENS—The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC), the world championship of professional bass fishing, is bringing the best anglers along with some of the biggest bands in country music to Conroe. Today, tournament officials announced a full lineup of free, family-friendly activities taking place at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center Oct. 4-6 to coincide with the tournament.

“We have world class music and a stellar field of anglers coming to Conroe. With all of the activities we have planned for fans and families, it’s shaping up to be a great weekend at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic,” said Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur. “This event is really about supporting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and with event tickets being free it’s a great way for the community to enjoy world-class entertainment and support a worthy cause.”

Outdoor Adventures Area – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Adventures Area features kid-friendly activities that emphasize the TPWD’s youth fishing programs. Activities include archery, a rock climbing wall, kids casting challenge and a host of outdoor-themed educational and interactive exhibits.

BBQ Cook-Off – Over 50 teams will compete in the second annual TTBC BBQ Cook-Off where they will serve up their best brisket, ribs and chicken. Defending champion Donald Canterbury with the “We Be Smokin” team will return to defend their 2012 titles. Winners of the 2013 title will be announced Saturday ahead of the tournament weigh-ins.

Food Truck Court – Several of the area’s awarding-winning food trucks will be on-site at TTBC this year including Papa John’s, Holmes Smokehouse, Koagie Hots, Custom Confections and many more!

Yamaha Test Track – Riders can test various Yamaha ATVs on the 25,000 square foot test track that includes bumps, twists and log-filled roads and obstacles.

Toyota Drive Center – Fans can enjoy hands-on driving experiences in the latest Toyota makes and models including the 2014 Tundra at the off road test track.

Free Concerts with Eli Young Band, The Band Perry & More – TTBC will bring a star-studded music lineup to the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center each day following the tournament weigh-ins. Eli Young Band will kick off the weekend’s concerts on Friday, Oct. 4, followed by Southern Slang and Lee Brice before headliners, The Band Perry, on Saturday, Oct. 5. Closing the event Sunday, Oct. 6 will be Thompson Square and Gloriana.

Daily tickets are valid for admission to the festival grounds for angler weigh-ins, daily concerts, Bass Pro Shops Kids Zone, BBQ Cook-Off and the outdoors adventure area and expo. Limited FREE tickets are available now at Toyota dealerships, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and online at toyotatexasbassclassic.com.

The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center is a state-of-the-art facility conveniently located minutes from Lake Conroe and The Woodlands and only 40 minutes north of Houston. The location offers easy access to event activities, local shops and restaurants. For more information visit www.thelonestar.org. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. Official sponsors of TTBC are ATX Wheels, Bass Pro Shops, Nitro Boats, Coca-Cola, Geico, Mustang CAT and Yamaha. For additional information, visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com or call 1-866-907-0143.